Simon Cowell can claim some victory over BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, after his show The X Factor trumped its rival in viewing figures.

A peak audience of 9.26 million viewers tuned in on October 4 to watch Rita Ora select the six contestants she would take through to the Judges’ Houses round, which includes the figure for ITV+1.

Rita Ora and her Girls: Havva Rebke, Lauren Murray, Kiera Weathers, Monica Michaels, Louisa Johnson and Chloe Paige
Rita Ora and her Girls: Havva Rebke, Lauren Murray, Kiera Weathers, Monica Michael, Louisa Johnson and Chloe Paige (Thames/Syco)

In comparison, 8.13 million people watched the BBC One show when former Olympian Iwan Thomas and his dance partner Ola Jordan was voted out of the competition.

It was the highest Sunday night episode for this series of The X Factor.

It was the first time the shows had gone head to head, with The X Factor starting at 7pm and the Strictly results show at 7.15pm.

Rita was booed when she swapped Karen Mav’s seat for St Helens barmaid Kiera Weathers.

The Poison singer’s other five contestants are Brighton market trader Chloe Paige, Essex student Louisa Johnson, retail assistant Havva Rebke, dental receptionist Lauren Murray and youth worker Monica Michael, all from London.

However, Strictly won overall on the average number of people watching.

Still, it proves Simon’s prediction is somewhat correct, when he said in August that his show could triumph over its dance rival.

“This show does feel better, the talent’s great, so if it’s us versus Peter Andre , I’ll put my money on us,” he said.

The two shows are set to clash again this Sunday.